Comments on: Year in Review: Raul Ibanez

By: bfo_33

bfo_33 — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:03:57 +0000

Thanks for starting the new thread. I agree that the Phils should really be in the 125-130M range, 140 only if something falls in your lap. Where do you go next year? If the Phils stand pat, they win the division, barring a Mets-like injury plague (which is very possible – we haven’t had an extended injury to the core since 2006), and probably even make it to the World Series (if not, who in the NL – maybe Stl, but they need protection for Pujols, and don’t have the $$ to get Holiday back). The Phils could pull out a WS win (they weren’t that far off this year), but it would be a strectch.
They need a RH power pitcher to get through the Yanks/Red Sox/Angels. So who do you move? The infield is set, not moving any of those guys (Rollin’s bat could be easily replaced, he’s on the downside offensively since his 2007 peak year, and while his range is sliding also, he’s still better than most, and there is no back-up). In the outfield, you could possibly replace Ibanez, but that is a big contract, very unlikely to get any bites. Werth is expensive, but worth every penny plus, probably the best righty bat East of Pujols – needed in this line-up. That leaves Victorino as trade bait, but he’s still pretty cheap – worth his salary.
If we somehow get Halladay, Blanton has to go, and still probably have to move some salary. I can’t find it, so I think we are pretty much set, look a starter off the scrap heap.

By: Don M

Don M — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:39:48 +0000

New Thread..

This is from the CNNSI.com article.. for all the people that want the Phillies to increase payroll to $150 M, etc. because “they are making tons of money” … we’ll they’re spending almost more than then they’re making, and the spending will keep going up, if only to pay their own players!!

“Their attendance has risen 38 percent since 2006, climbing from 2.6 million — ninth in the league — to 3.6 million. Their payroll in those three years jumped 49 percent, from $88 million to $131 million and is likely to approach $140 million in 2010.”

By: mikemike

mikemike — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:02:49 +0000

I really believe that is Raul doesnt hit it will be Michael Taylor time, unless he is traded for Halladay. If reports are true and to get Halladay they lose Happ, Blanton then who will be the fourth and fifth starter. Kendrick and smoltz or ????.I love the idea of Halladay but it doesnt guaranteed us a pennant and to lose happ and blanton to get him is a lot. just like the angels giving up saunders a 17 game winner for halladay how many more wins will halladay give y then saunders, plus saunder is younger, and by the way was a phillies draft choice they didnt sign.

By: bfo_33

bfo_33 — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:42:34 +0000

Depending on what other off season moves are made, guessing Vic in the 6 hole, Raul batting 7th. Assuming no significant injuries, also guessing he gets about 30 games off during the regular season. Both will conspire to drop his rbi ops a little in 2010. Not really sure when to sit him, since conventional wisdom would put him down against tough lefties, but his splits don’t really justify that. Assuming Mayberry is the 4th outfielder, his splits are lousy against righties, especially breaking ball pitchers.
Hoping that the second half was the injuries, and not the start of a decline. Even with that, a big improvement over “the bat”. Much better defensively than I thought, good rating, hoping to see him go .290/30/90.

By: Manny

Manny — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:57:24 +0000

RAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUL

Career year baby

By: Brian of CO

Brian of CO — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:51:45 +0000

Kind of hard to disagree with the rating. He had an AWESOME first half and a poor 2nd half. I dont expect a repeat of either one honestly. I expect a player right in the middle honestly. I think his 2nd half was that bad because the injuries never really “healed”. Didnt he just have surgery? He’ll be back strong. I think his avg will be a consistent .280 – .290 avg.

By: Pimples Galore

Pimples Galore — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:48:53 +0000

Raul — hard worker, excellent player, outstanding example of a gentleman athlete. What’s not to like. I hope Father Time does not catch up to him and giving him as occasional rest would be advised. Let’s keep him happy, healthy and hitting.

By: Brooks

Brooks — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:33:34 +0000

This year will be telling don’t you think?
Was the first half of last year an aberration? Can we expect a repeat performance? Can he stay healthy?
Raul quickly became a favorite – a tired, unprepared pitching staff faltered terribly in the first few months of the season yet because of Raul (mostly), the Phils came out of April with a winning record – amazing!
If we see a .280 average or better, between 25-30 hrs and 90 rbi or better, the Phils will continue to DOMINATE the NL.
Rauuull!!!!!!!!!!

By: Trent from AC

Trent from AC — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:13:55 +0000

I think this is pretty fair….but I woulda given the guy an 8….he worked his tail off all season and has proved to Philly to be a fan favorite just after 1 season…..RAUUUL is the man………